euthanize

verb

eu·​tha·​nize ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz 

variants or less commonly euthanatize

yü-ˈtha-nə-ˌtīz 

euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing

transitive verb

: to subject to euthanasia

Examples of euthanize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In October, officials at CDFW decided to remove the pack and developed a plan to euthanize its three adults and move four pups to a sanctuary. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026

The pest control companies humanely euthanize the lizards, following FWC recommendations on how to do so. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Valerio was euthanized days after the attack. —Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

The 6-year-old allowance-level mare Angelic Appeal was euthanized after being injured in a race on the Santa Anita turf course on Saturday, and the maiden 4-year-old colt Cornhuskerchris was euthanized after being injured in training on the Santa Anita training track on Sunday. —Kevin Modesti, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek euthanatos

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for euthanize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Medical Definition

euthanize

transitive verb

eu·​tha·​nize

ˈyü-thə-ˌnīz

variants also euthanatize

yu̇-ˈthan-ə-ˌtīz

euthanized also euthanatized; euthanizing also euthanatizing

: to subject to euthanasia

the dog was euthanized at the owner's request